heating and forming steel

[jrock]

i want to make some custom spring hangers but i've never heated and formed metal for anything that has needed to be strong if i heat the metal and bend it then let it cool will it still be strong enough for the front spring hangers?

[n0nka]

I know if you heat it really well, then cool it quickly, i.e. drop it in a bucket of cold water, it will be plenty rigid; but I don't know what temperatures you should target. You don't want it to be too brittle.

[scabbyota]

I don't claim to be a expert but I've built a lot of home made log trailers and low boy trailers.When forming metal with a torch I usually covered it with sand to let it cool down slow or let it cool down to a wheat or tan like color and then dip it in oil.When I made hangers I just welded the parts together and then welded it to the frame.When welding always grind the joints to a v so so the weld will be all the way thru to make it one solid piece.